Why book?
For a stay that feels easygoing, colorful, and distinctly Brooklyn, Moxy Williamsburg hits the mark. It’s set in the heart of Williamsburg—steps from buzzy restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques, and within a quick stroll of the J/M/Z and L trains. The vibe is casual and a touch creative—ideal for friends, couples, and solo or business travelers who want access to Manhattan without being embedded in its city-center crowds.
Set the scene
The lobby immediately sets a playful, creative tone: 20-foot ceilings, white oak, plaster, and aged metals mirror the neighborhood’s converted warehouses. Light pours through the street-facing windows in the lobby and café area (which they open in summer), giving the space a breezy, interconnected energy. Throughout the hotel, spot creative works: hand-painted skateboards, a melting popsicle sculpture, foliage draping from fluted oak planters, and the signature Lightstone Design Studio (and Basile Studio)–designed dining and drinking venues. Interiors are compact and intimate in Williamsburg fashion, but balanced by soaring ceilings and bi-fold doors that connect the lobby and Bar Bedford directly to Bedford Avenue. Out back, a large garden and year-round pickleball court are fun additions.
The building’s industrial-inspired exterior ties into local history: Exposed concrete and brick, factory-style windows, and pressed aluminum detailing nod to the area’s 19th-century warehouses and the nearby Williamsburg Bridge.
The backstory
Opened in 2023, Moxy Williamsburg is Lightstone’s first NYC Moxy outside of Manhattan—part of a family that includes properties in Times Square, Chelsea, East Village, and the Lower East Side. With architecture designed by the acclaimed firm Stonehill Taylor, as well as the interiors by Lightstone Design and Basile Studio, the 11-story hotel channels Williamsburg’s creative, independent spirit, featuring modern industrial architecture, retro touches, and mixed-use spaces for guests.
The rooms
The 216 rooms are cozy, as per NYC standards, but efficiently laid out and surprisingly bright thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. Materials lean warm and minimal—Baltic birch, black steel, and soft shades of green—with witty Moxy touches like quirky headboard art and colorful accents. Storage is clever, with cubbies, peg walls, and fold-down desks (Executive Kings offer full desks).
My Standard King was exactly that: standard, comfortable, and best suited for one or two travelers. While it’s true that remote work felt tight in my room, the lobby made for a stylish, softly lit alternative on a rainy afternoon.
Other room types range from Kings and City View Kings to Double Queens, Double Queen City Views, and Quad Bunks for groups. Amenities include plush duvets, fast Wi-Fi, smart TVs with streaming, individual climate control, safes, garment steamers, and pet-friendly options. A fun plus? Record players are available on request.
Food & beverage
Moxy Williamsburg’s dining lineup is surprisingly wide-ranging for a hotel of its size: Bar Bedford serves as both an all-day café and cocktail bar, seamlessly extending the lobby’s loft-like design. Expect travelers working on laptops by day, and by night, the motorized liquor riser—stacked with 1,500 bottles—steals the spotlight, a clever riff on NYC’s old automats. Mesiba, inspired by Tel Aviv’s Bauhaus architecture and celebratory Levantine dining culture, offers a warm, plant-filled setting anchored by a curved marble bar. It’s great for guests who want an easy but stylish dinner without leaving the building. I found the plates are best for sharing—and among the highlights: the homemade flatbread, or “frena” bread, the tuna sashimi, and the braised short rib main dish. (However, the hotel is in a truly ideal location to go out and try some of the city’s top-rated restaurants if you're able to venture out the front door.)
For fun, Jolene Sound Room channels midcentury recording studios and 1970s nightlife, complete with a custom audiophile sound system designed by nightlife veterans. The intentionally acoustically thoughtful hotel lounge is retro, warm, and built for nights that run late (similar to the one at Moxy’s Miami property). My personal favorite? LilliStar, the rooftop bar, blends Indo-Aussie flair with soaring views of the Williamsburg Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. Giant lotus-shaped light fixtures, vintage-inspired seating, a green marble bar, and indoor/outdoor lounge space make it the hotel’s It girl—especially at sunset. Outside, Bar Bedford Garden is in one of Williamsburg’s quintessential hidden backyard courtyards and hosts both private and social events.
The neighborhood
This stretch of Williamsburg encapsulates Brooklyn’s indie, eclectic, and trendy heart. The hotel sits on Bedford Avenue near the Williamsburg Bridge—close to Domino Park, McCarren Park, music venues, vintage shops, and iconic eateries like Peter Luger Steakhouse. Subway access is excellent (J/M/Z, L, and G), and the Manhattan ferry is a short walk away. It’s lively, walkable, and quintessentially Williamsburg.
The service
Service is intentionally casual with a friendly staff, a grab-and-go breakfast, and plenty of self-service elements. Rather, the hotel’s main “service” is expressed through its amenities, public spaces, and event programming. You’ll find three flexible meeting studios that accommodate coworking, private dining, and gatherings, with modular furniture and paint-splattered walls courtesy of artist Jessie Rubin. There’s also a basement gym (small but useful, and complete with a Peloton) and an unexpected backyard pickleball court for a playful break from city wandering.
Eco effort
The hotel has Earth Day–themed programming and rotational events tied to sustainability, folding environmental efforts into its cultural calendar.
Accessibility
The property has elevators, wheelchair-accessible ramp access throughout public spaces, accessible fitness and meeting areas, and a range of ADA room features, including roll-in showers, lever handles, closed captioning, TTY/TTD compatibility, and grab bars.
Anything else?
Service animals are welcome without documentation, and pets are allowed for a $50 nightly fee (capped at $150 per stay).
353 Bedford Ave, New York, New York 11211
United States
https://www.lightstonegroup.com/
(718) 782-6699